2. A general overview of what robots are, and the
essential components embedded within
Relevant examples of microcontroller and robot
applications to help the participants understand
contexts and applications of these technologies
Contextual understanding makes it easier to relate
programming efforts to basic science, math, or
engineering concepts
3. A microcontroller is a kind of miniature computer
that found in all kinds of gizmos
Generally speaking, if a device has buttons and
a digital display, chances are it also has a
programmable microcontroller brain.
4. Microcontrollers are 'single chip'
computers specifically designed to:
◦ Read input devices, such as buttons and sensors
◦ Process data or information
◦ Control output devices, such as lights, displays, motors
and speakers
5. The BASIC Stamp 2 embeds a microcontroller, the
PIC16C57, on a module to make programming and
use very simple, yet very powerful.
Additional components on the module provide
everything needed to systems and applications, like
robotics.
6. 5V Regulator
Regulates voltage
to 5V with a supply of
5.5VDC to 15VDC
Resonator
Sets the speed at which
instructions are processed.
EEPROM
Stores the your
PBASIC program.
Interpreter Chip
Reads the BASIC
program from the
EEPROM and executes
the instructions.
Serial Signal
Conditioning
Conditions voltage
signals between PC serial
connection (+/- 12V) and
BASIC Stamp (5V) for
Programming.
7. A robot is a machine that gathers information about
its environment (senses) and uses that information
(thinks) to follow instructions to do work (acts)
◦ The “sensing” part provides input to the robot through
switches, light sensors,
◦ The thinking part is the microcontroller brain
◦ The acting part could be through lights, motors, actuators,
sounds, etc
8. Robots come in many shapes and sizes
1. Kawada's HRP-3P humanoid robot
2. Fanuc ArcMate 100i precision, high-
speed welding and cutting robot
3. MINI-ROBOT RESEARCH —
Sandia National Laboratories
4. Mini-robot that can travel through
the bloodstream
10. Robotics requires a basic understanding of electricity
and simple wiring diagrams
The relationship between current, voltage and resistance
is expressed by what is known as Ohm’s Law, variations
of which are expressed below:
V = IR; I = V/R; R = V/I
R
V
I
+V
R
+ -
11. Simple programming to cause Boe-Bot to perform
basic tasks
Adding input and output circuits
Making sounds
Measuring and calculating
◦ Distances
◦ Angles
◦ Speed
◦ Rotation